Addiction and mental health conditions often go hand in hand. For example, when someone has an untreated mental health disorder, they might begin using drugs and alcohol to cope with their symptoms. Over time, this causes them to develop a co-occurring substance use disorder.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), “approximately 21.5 million adults in the United States have a co-occurring disorder.”[1]
The best way to overcome co-occurring addiction and mental health issues is to attend a dual diagnosis treatment program. But what do you do after you complete one?
Unfortunately, the transition from an inpatient rehab center to independent living can be rough. You’ll have to face new triggers and everyday life stressors on your own, which will increase your risk of relapsing. Thankfully, sober living houses were created to ease this transition and increase your chances of long-term recovery.
While sober living reduces the risk of addiction relapse, it also helps people maintain recovery from their co-occurring mental health conditions. For example, sober living programs provide a healthy environment to live in, encourage the attendance of therapy, help you develop important life skills, and allow you to receive peer support from fellow residents.
In this article, you will learn:
- What does “dual diagnosis” mean?
- Can you attend a sober living when you have co-occurring disorders?
- What are the benefits of sober living for dual diagnosis?
What is a Dual Diagnosis?
Dual diagnosis is a term used to describe someone who has co-occurring disorders. To explain, having co-occurring disorders means you have both a substance use disorder and a mental health condition at the same time.
While any mental health disorder can co-occur with addiction, these are the most common:[1]
- Anxiety conditions
- Mood disorders like depression
- Bipolar disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Conduct disorders
- Eating disorders
- Personality disorders
- Schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder
When you have a dual diagnosis, both conditions need treatment at the same time. To maintain sobriety from drugs and alcohol, you’ll need to manage your mental illness as well. Without treating your mental health condition, you are likely to relapse.
Most people with a dual diagnosis attend inpatient treatment as it offers the level of care they need to be successful in recovery. Once inpatient rehab is over, you’ll have to cope with the transition from facility living to an independent life. The best way to do this is to attend a sober living.
What are the Benefits of Sober Living for People With a Dual Diagnosis?
If you have a dual diagnosis, you might be wondering if sober living programs will accept you. Because co-occurring disorders are so common, most sober homes accept dual-diagnosis residents and have specific accommodations to assist them.
The main benefits of sober living for people with co-occurring disorders include:
A Supportive and Safe Home Environment
Sober living homes provide a drug and alcohol-free environment for people recovering from addiction to live in. They also have a set of rules and regulations to keep every resident safe. For example, you might have randomized drug testing and nightly curfews when living in a sober home.
Having a substance-free space will lessen your chances of relapsing during early recovery from a dual diagnosis. The rules sober living programs use will make it easier for you to make good decisions and stay accountable for your recovery.
Encouragement to Attend Therapy and Support Groups
When you have co-occurring disorders, continuing your therapy is incredibly important. You might need more time engaging in evidence-based treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Additionally, you might need to see a psychiatrist regularly for medication management.
Thankfully, sober living homes will encourage you to attend regular therapy and psychiatry appointments, keeping you focused on your mental health recovery journey. Additionally, you’ll be required to attend a certain number of support groups each week, ensuring you continue participating in the addiction recovery process.
Assistance in Building Important Life Skills
Addiction treatment programs and dual diagnosis facilities focus on helping you overcome substance abuse and teaching you how to manage the symptoms of your mental health condition. While this is an important step, you’ll need more support to begin building the life skills you missed out on during active addiction.
Sober homes provide people with dual diagnoses with the support they need while they learn life skills like how to obtain and keep a job, find health care, use public transportation, and more. In other words, these programs ensure you develop the skills you’ll need to be successful as an independent adult.
Peer Support From Other Residents
Lastly, you’ll receive peer support from other residents in the sober living home. If you are having a hard time with your mental health or experiencing drug and alcohol cravings, your roommates can provide you with advice or simply lend a listening ear. Receiving support from people who understand what you are going through is vital to maintaining long-term recovery from co-occurring disorders.
Get Connected to Sober Living for Dual Diagnosis
If you or a loved one has recently completed an inpatient dual diagnosis program, it might be time to consider sober living. At New You Sober Living, we support people with co-occurring disorders by helping them learn how to live an independent life while focusing on recovery from addiction and mental illness.
Contact us today for more information on our sober living for dual diagnosis.
References:
- The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Co-Occurring Disorders and Other Health Conditions
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